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The Two-Sentence Email That Gets Results
Your inbox is drowning you, and you're probably drowning others too. The average office worker receives 121 emails per day and spends 28% of their workweek managing email. But here's the problem: most workplace emails are bloated, unclear, and bury the actual request somewhere in paragraph three. The solution isn't writing longer emails with more context—it's writing dramatically shorter ones that force clarity. Today, you're going to test the "Two-Sentence Email" framework that transforms rambling messages into laser-focused communication that actually gets responses and drives action.
The Two-Sentence Email framework works because it forces you to distill your message to its absolute essence. Here's exactly how to structure every email you send today:
Sentence 1: State exactly what you need or want in specific, actionable terms
Sentence 2: Provide the essential deadline, context, or next step required for the recipient to act
Optional third element: Add one bullet point list if multiple items need addressing, but keep each item to under 10 words
Subject line rule: Make it a specific action phrase like "Please review contract by Friday" instead of vague labels like "Contract question"
The urgency test: If you can't explain why this email matters in two sentences, it probably doesn't need to be sent
The audience check: If you're sending to more than three people, consider if this should be a meeting, document, or announcement instead
The timing principle: Send requests at least 24-48 hours before you need the response, not the day of your deadline
Here's how to implement this strategy in your actual workday starting with your next email:
Before writing: Ask yourself "What exactly do I want this person to do?" and write that down first
Draft your first sentence: Start with action words like "Please review," "Can you confirm," or "I need" rather than background explanations
Write your second sentence: Include the deadline, reason, or next step that makes action possible
Cut everything else: Delete the backstory, the multiple explanations, and the hedging language like "I think maybe we should possibly consider"
Test the clarity: Read it aloud and ask if a stranger could understand exactly what you want them to do
Use the preview test: Your first sentence should be clear enough that someone reading just the email preview knows what you need
Apply the phone test: If this email would take longer to read than a two-minute phone call, pick up the phone instead
Set up templates: Create two-sentence templates for your most common requests like meeting scheduling, document reviews, or status updates
Practice the pause: Before hitting send, pause and ask "Is this the shortest version that gets my point across?"
Track your results: Notice how much faster people respond to your shorter, clearer emails compared to your old rambling style
The magic of two-sentence emails isn't just that they save time—they respect your recipient's attention and make it incredibly easy for them to help you. When you remove the friction of deciphering what you actually want, people respond faster, with more accuracy, and often with genuine appreciation for your clarity. Try this framework on your next five emails today and watch how it transforms not just your communication, but your entire workflow efficiency.
Have a great day and see you all tomorrow!
The Casual Workweek